Part 1 · Band 8

what do you Study?

Source-reported band score · 20 words

Sample answer

I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. My program includes courses in artificial intelligence, programming, coding, and cybersecurity.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer moves clearly from your current degree to a list of course areas, so its sequence is easy to follow. It is brief and does not develop a reason or example, which is optional for this simple Part 1 question. Practise a 20-second response using this answer: state what you study, name the areas, then add one genuine detail about a course you find interesting. Fluency cannot be assessed from text alone.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “pursuing a Bachelor's degree” and “artificial intelligence” are relevant and precise for describing your studies. The list communicates the field clearly, although “programming” and “coding” overlap in meaning, and the vocabulary range is necessarily narrow in this short answer. As an optional refinement, use “coursework” to introduce the list and add one specific, truthful detail about an area of study.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses a well-formed present-progressive opening, “I'm currently pursuing,” followed by a clear present-simple sentence, “My program includes courses.” The list is grammatically parallel and punctuation is controlled. The sentence patterns are accurate but simple, so the sample offers little evidence of a broader range. For a slightly more connected version, combine the degree and course information with a concise phrase such as “with courses in …”.

Pronunciation

This text does not provide evidence for an assessment of your pronunciation. For practice, mark the main stress in “Bachelor's degree,” “Computer Science,” and “cybersecurity,” then group the answer as: degree information / course areas. Record yourself reading it, check that the key words are easy to distinguish, and compare the recording with a dictionary audio model. This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • Keep the direct opening, then add one genuine detail about a course you particularly enjoy or find challenging.
  • Consider whether “programming” and “coding” refer to different courses; if not, use one term to avoid repetition.
  • Practise delivering the answer in about 15–20 seconds, with a brief pause between your degree and the list of course areas.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain what you study and your current stage of study.
  • Give a brief reason for choosing the subject, such as family encouragement or personal interest.
  • Mention a challenge, an enjoyable aspect, and a future plan to make the answer personal and complete.

Suggested structure

  1. State your subject and year of study.
  2. Explain how you came to choose it.
  3. Describe one challenge and one part you enjoy.
  4. Finish with a short goal or reason the subject suits you.
Useful vocabulary & examples
career path
the direction of someone's working life or choice of profession

I was initially unsure about my career path.

financial stability
having a dependable level of income and financial security

My parents value the financial stability that a medical career can offer.

clinical placement
a period of practical learning in a healthcare setting

Clinical placements let students apply theoretical knowledge in practice.

a particular specialty
a specific area of professional focus, especially within medicine

I have not decided on a particular specialty yet.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 9

I am currently in my fifth year of medical school where I study medicine. Initially, I wasn't sure about my career path, but my parents encouraged me to pursue a career in medic...

Band 8

At my school, I studied physics, applied mathematics, and international languages like Russian, Japanese, and English.

Band 7

Currently, I'm a student at Foreign Trade University. My major is international business. At school, I study logistics, marketing, sales, and other aspects related to the econom...

Band 6

As a high school student, I study a variety of subjects, including math, science, English, and history. This diverse curriculum helps me gain a well-rounded education and prepar...

Band 5

I study four languages. It's a really thorough study of languages, and I hope to pursue it as a career in the future.

Band 4

No, I am taking an English course located near my place to improve my English level so I can continue my master's degree in offices.